WWE SmackDown August 25th, 2023 (Louisville- Kentucky/ USA)
WWE SmackDown was all about two Superstars that passed this week.
The edition from Louisville (Kentucky) honored Terry Funk and Bray Wyatt.
Michael Cole welcomed the audience and led off with 10 ring bells. The WWE roster had gathered on the stage for the occasion. Among others, Erick Rowan from the then Wyatt Family was also present.
Heartbreaking Tribute Video about Bray Wyatt’s Career
WWE showed a very successful tribute video for Bray Wyatt at this point.
Afterwards, Wyatt’s empty rocking chair could be seen standing on the stage in front of the WWE personalities present and illuminated with a spotlight.
Even if the wounds of Bray’s passing are still very fresh, watch the poignant video package and let’s celebrate the career of the true genius Bray Wyatt together.
The Latino World Order sticks together
•US Champion Rey Mysterio def. Grayson Waller in a non-title match via Pinfall with a Springboard Splash•
In the first match on WWE SmackDown, Austin Theory didn’t miss the chance to show up at ringside. He was followed by Santos Escobar. Theory went for Santos’ injured knee.
Mysterio, meanwhile, was undeterred. He finished with a 619 against Waller. Before there could be a Springboard Splash, Theory held Rey by the foot.
But Santos pushed Austin out of the way – and Mysterio was able to follow through with his move for the win.
Across the WWE SmackDown edition, there were several clips from Bray Wyatt’s career to watch. The birth of the Wyatt Family with Bray Wyatt, Luke Harper and Erick Rowan was shown first. Later we saw the debut of the fiend and other memorable moments.
Iyo Sky manages a Successful Title Defense
Zelina Vega had managed to land a win over Iyo Sky on WWE SmackDown on June 16. Then on August 4, Iyo lost again to Vega. A day later, Sky won the WWE Women’s title at SummerSlam via the MITB cash-in.
At this point, Vega now got a shot at Iyo’s title. Beforehand, Bayley made it clear in an interview what an exceptional talent Iyo Sky would be.
•WWE Women’s Championship: Iyo Sky (c) successfully defends her title against Zelina Vega via Pinfall with the Over-The-Moonsault•
With this match, there remained no doubt who is the current deserving WWE Women’s Champion, as Iyo Sky picked up a clear victory against Zelina Vega this time after her two losses.
Vega landed hard in the ring steps outside the ring. Back between the ropes, Iyo delivered a Running Double Knee to the finish.
Now Zelina was parried – and Sky landed the over-the-moonsault for the title defense.
Cody Rhodes remembers Terry Funk
The “American Nightmare” spoke in the ring about Terry Funk and an encounter his father Dusty and he had with the former NWA champion at an airport many years ago. It took 11-year-old Cody some time to realize that it was Terry Funk who was loudly calling his father an “Egg Sucking Dog.”
Cody talked about the 50-year career of the man from Double Cross Ranch in Amarillo, Texas, and presented a memorial video.
Cody: “Terry Funk was full of passion. Tables, ladders, chairs. He was hardcore!” For this reason, Rhodes was pleased to now present a Terry Funk Hardcore match.
Bobby Lashley helps Street Profits to win
•The Street Profits (Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins) def. The Brawling Brudes (Butch & Ridge Holland) via Pinfall with the Revelation•
This match was not really hardcore, but at least a table was used in the No-DQ contest.
Before that Bobby Lashley, the promoter of Street Profits, came to the ring.
When Butch pulled the table out from under the ring, he accidentally bumped into Lashley. The “All-Mighty” didn’t like that.
Shortly after, the table set up in the ring was to be used against the Street Profits. But when Butch tried to jump off the ropes, Lashley pushed him off the turnbuckle onto the arena floor. Bobby followed up with a massive Spear.
The Street Profits took advantage of the situation and pulled off their Revelation (combination of Dawkins’ Sky-High and a neckbreaker from Ford) on Ridge. Holland crashed through the table with the action and was pinned.
LA Knight remembers and thanks Bray Wyatt
LA Knight talked about Bray Wyatt in the ring and stated, “Sometimes your biggest rivals can become your biggest helpers. I’ve been through hell with Bray. He made me ready for whatever comes next.”
Knight said Bray and he were not the best of friends, but his gratitude was certain to the late Superstar.
Then there was an announcement to The Miz, who said in a TMZ that Knight won’t even make it to WrestleMania. LA: “A wise man once said. Next time you see me … RUN!”
Knight gets clear victory over Bálor
•LA Knight def. Finn Bálor via Pinfall after the BFT•
In the Main Event of WWE SmackDown, LA Knight then landed a quite noteworthy success.
Finn Bálor missed on the first attempt with the Coup de Grace. Knight let a Powerslam and the Yeah-Elbow follow. However, Finn countered the BFT attempt into a roll-in.
When Bálor made it back to the ropes shortly after, Knight followed him there.
Finn was suplexed into the ring. The BFT for the decision followed afterwards.
At the end of WWE SmackDown it suddenly became dark in the arena. Clouds of fog moved through the ring – and Bray Wyatt’s lantern lit up.
A few words from me: I would like to thank Terry Funk for incredible moments, extreme matches and showcasing what pro wrestling is for all of us an emotional ride on the edge of emotions. Thank you Terry Funk for an incredible career of 52 years. RIP Legend
Bray Wyatt passed away at the age of 36, too early and too young, yet in his short time on this planet he not only helped many people in the ring, but was truly a wrestler who was tangible to his fans. This creative genius will forever be a part of us all like his history and influence. Thank you Windham Rotunda for all you have done. We miss you! We love you! Rest in paradise Bray
– Lenny Wrestling
WE LIKE SPORTZ SHOW 
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